The Schenectady County Legislature voted to authorize adding seven parcels to the Schenectady County Agricultural District. Six of the parcels totaling 93.5 acres are located in the Town of Duanesburg and one 10-acre parcel is located in the Town of Glenville. With the addition of these seven parcels, the Schenectady County Agricultural District is now comprised of 20,175 acres, or nearly 15 percent of the County’s total land area.
The annual 30-day review period for inclusion in the Schenectady County Agricultural District takes place in December. The County received four applications during the 2023 review period. Applications submitted during the review period are reviewed by the Schenectady County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board (AFPB), who then makes a recommendation to the County Legislature for each application. The Legislature must hold a public hearing in accordance with NYS Agricultural and Markets Law before any new parcels can be added to the Agricultural District.
“Expanding the agricultural district to include an additional 104 acres underscores our commitment to supporting our community’s rich agricultural heritage,” said County Legislator Sara Mae Pratt, Chair of the Committee on Environmental Conservation, Renewable Energy and Parks. “Agricultural districts are vital as they create a better economic and regulatory climate for farmers so they can continue to provide a dependable source of safe and fresh food while helping to maintain the County’s attractive countryside. Schenectady County boasts a thriving agricultural industry, and this expansion further strengthens our support for local farmers and food producers.”
The Schenectady County AFPB recommended inclusion of the 103.5 acres in the County’s Agricultural District. The property owners intend to use the land to raise beef cattle, chicken and hogs; grow medicinal herbs; and operate a small poultry/egg farm. Additional information about the Schenectady County AFPB and a map of the Schenectady County Agricultural District can be found at https://www.schenectadycountyny.gov/ed-planning/ag-district.